Tigers vs. Rice: Four things to watch

In last year's 38-35 victory at Rice, the Tigers gained 247 yards on the ground, or 110 more than their season average. In the UofM's opener at Ole Miss last weekend, the Tigers rushed for 188 yards, including 87 by starting tailback Curtis Steele.

2. Clement to Dillard

Unfamiliar to college football fans outside of Conference USA, Rice quarterback Chase Clement and receiver Jarett Dillard have quietly become one of the most successful pass-catch duos in college football history. With four more scoring hookups, Clement-to-Dillard will set the NCAA record at 39 touchdowns.

3. Memphis' pass defense

Because of the talent and experience Clement and Dillard possess, the Tiger secondary will face one of its most difficult challenges of the season. The Tigers, under first-year defensive coordinator Tim Walton, are playing more aggressively and placing their corners in man coverage. How the UofM fares in those battles could determine the outcome.

4. Rice's James Casey

Keeping up with Casey, a former minor league baseball pitcher, will be a challenge for the CBS College Sports Network crew and the Memphis defense. In Rice's victory last week over SMU, Casey, a 23-year-old multi-position sophomore, lined up at quarterback, wide receiver and tight end. He played seven positions in a game against Southern Miss in 2007.